There were 13.5 million plastic surgeries performed in 2020, according to the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Making the decision to undergo one of these procedures is important. Just as important: taking the next step and choosing who will perform the surgery.
Nabeel Khan, MD, is a plastic surgeon with Rochester Regional Health who suggests some of the things you should be looking for – and not looking for – when choosing a plastic surgeon.
Types of plastic surgery
Plastic surgery is a wide-ranging field of medicine. It includes both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery – both highly specialized fields with an extensive list of procedures and treatments that benefit patients.
These areas of surgery may include:
- Breast
- Facial cosmetic
- Body cosmetic
- Reconstructive
- Gender affirmation
- Hand and wrist
“Plastic surgeons have been performing these surgeries and procedures for decades,” Dr. Khan said. “With our highly experienced team of plastic surgeons and medical staff at Rochester Regional Health, we work hard to assure every patient coming through our doors achieves their goals in a safe manner.”
What to look for
There are many factors to consider when selecting the right surgeon for you. Here are a few you may already be considering – and some you may not have thought of yet.
Patient reviews
You want to know what other people who have gone through this procedure may have experienced. Finding a positive review can be the confirmation that you made the right choice – and so can a negative review. Knowing how people interact with the staff, how long patients wait, overall cleanliness, and other elements in reviews can factor into your decision.
Referrals
Ask your primary care provider for a list of recommended surgeons or plastic surgery locations. If a close friend or relative has someone with whom they have had a good experience, ask them as well. Getting advice or success stories from those you trust can make a big difference in finding the right person for you.
Credentials
Knowing your surgeon is properly trained is key to having a successful surgery. Look online or ask them for their credentials. In addition to their medical degree and state board certification, they should be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Hospital accreditation
The quality of the outpatient location or hospital is important. Accredited hospitals and facilities undergo thorough reviews of the standards for their equipment, staff and surgeon credentials, and operating room safety. If these details are not prominently displayed on their website, contact the facility and ask about their accreditation status.
Questions you should ask
Once you select a surgeon or location, set aside some time to contact them over the phone, email, or in person and ask specific questions about their practice and the specific procedure.
If you are unsure about where to start, here are a few ideas that should get the ball rolling.
How much experience do you have with this procedure?
Knowing you are in the hands of someone who has performed your particular surgery or treatment repeatedly can help to put your mind at ease. Talking through the procedure with the surgeon can also give you a better idea of what to expect ahead of time.
Do you have before and after photos?
Many plastic surgery offices and facilities will have photos of patients before and after their procedures, which can benefit both the surgical team and future patients. Surgeons can show their skill and quality; patients can see the differences and create a more detailed vision of what they want done.
Will my insurance cover this surgery?
Finances are key to take into consideration and should be near the top of your list of questions. Ask your surgeon or the surgical office staff about their policy regarding payment and specific information about which insurances are accepted – and if certain portions of a procedure may or may not be covered.
Do I feel comfortable with this surgeon?
If you are not at ease with your surgeon or surgical team, this may be something to consider. You want this experience to be something you are certain of. Make sure you can place your trust in the surgeon and the staff before moving ahead.
“You are making a big choice to move forward with these surgeries,” Dr. Khan said. “We want you to be feeling confident in your decision both before and after your procedure.”
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